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Turning a basic stack of plastic straws into colorful projects is one of my favorite ways to use up supplies and spark a little creativity. Here are quick, low-cost ideas for kids, craft nights, or even sprucing up your space—nothing fancy, just bright straws and a few simple tools.
You’ll find playful builds like rockets, necklaces, and windmills, plus handy things like pencil holders and picture frames. The projects are fun, doable, and you can dive in right away with whatever’s on hand.
1. Straw Rockets
I make simple straw rockets with paper, tape, and a straw launcher.
Kids decorate the rocket, then we launch it with a straw or pump for a quick STEM twist.
2. Straw Necklace
I thread cut straw pieces onto yarn or string to make bright, lightweight beads.
Mixing up colors and shapes for patterns is half the fun, and tying off the ends gives you a quick, wearable craft.
3. Marble Maze Using Straws
I build a simple marble maze with cardboard, straws, and glue.
Cutting and gluing straw pieces creates paths, then tilting the board lets you guide a marble through.
It’s a fun way to sneak in some planning and fine motor practice, all with cheap materials.
4. 3D Straw Flowers
I cut and layer straws to build petals with some dimension.
Gluing pieces around a central stem forms blooms that actually hold their shape.
I stick with bright colors and a simple pattern for a clean, lasting look.
5. Straw Spiders
I cut plastic straws into legs, bend them, and shape them into a spider.
Then I glue the legs to a small foam ball or crumpled paper for the body.
Googly eyes and a little paint finish off the spooky (or silly) effect.
6. Straw Star Ornaments
I turn plastic straws into lightweight star ornaments with just a few cuts and some glue.
Threading or tying them for hanging is easy, and a bit of paint or wrapping adds color.
These make cheap, festive decorations out of scraps.
7. Straw Picture Frames
I cut straws to size, glue them onto cardboard, and end up with bright, textured frames.
Mixing colors and lengths makes each one unique and perfect for photos or postcards.
A coat of clear sealant keeps the frame tidy and helps it last.
8. Straw Weaving Wall Art
I weave cut plastic straws into basic patterns on a cardboard loom.
After gluing the finished piece to a canvas, I’ll add some paint or ribbon for extra color.
It’s lightweight, modern wall art that hangs up in a snap.
9. Colorful Straw Bracelets
I cut straws into beads and string them on elastic cord for bright, lightweight bracelets.
Mixing patterns and colors keeps things interesting and lets you match outfits or moods.
These take just a few minutes and use up leftover supplies.
10. Straw Windmill Toys
I show kids how to make small windmills from straws, a paper cup, and a pin.
They spin in the breeze and sneak in a lesson about simple engineering and renewable energy.
11. Straw Building Blocks
I cut straws into equal lengths, thread them on pipe cleaners, and build cubes and towers.
Stacking and joining the pieces lets me make bridges or little buildings—testing balance as I go.
It’s a cheap, light system that gets everyone thinking like an engineer.
12. Straw Mobiles
I string cut straws and beads together to make colorful mobiles for windows.
Hanging them from a simple hoop, I watch them spin gently in the breeze.
They brighten up a room and use up leftover bits I already had.
13. Straw Basket Weaving
I weave plastic straws into small baskets for storage or decor.
Cutting, threading, and braiding the straws, then shaping them around a base, does take a little patience.
The end result is sturdy, colorful, and a clever way to reuse waste.
14. Straw Pencil Holders
I turn plastic straws into a sturdy pencil holder by using a cardboard tube and glue.
Picking colorful straws, cutting them to size, and gluing them around the tube gives me a neat, reusable desk organizer.
15. Straw Beaded Curtains
I like to cut straws and thread them with beads onto sturdy cord, turning scraps into a colorful curtain.
These end up hanging in doorways or windows, adding a touch of light, some texture, and honestly, just enough privacy without blocking everything out.
